For ownership of cisterns, tanks,
Wells, groves, and houses, too,
The neighbors' testimony goes—
Such is the legal view.
And again:
When house or field or well or grove
Or land is in dispute,
A neighbor's testimony is
Decisive of the suit."
Then the rabbit said: "You fool! Are you ignorant of the consecrated tradition which says:
Suppose beside your neighbor you
For ten long years abide,
What weight have learnèd arguments?
Eyewitnesses decide.
Fool! Fool! Did you never hear the dictum of the sage Narada?
The title to possession is
A ten years' habitation
With men. But with the birds and beasts
Mere present occupation.
"Hence, even supposing this apartment to be yours, still it was unoccupied when I moved in, and now it is mine."
"Well, well!" replied the partridge, "if you appeal to consecrated tradition, come with me, and we will consult the specialists. It shall be yours or mine according to their decision." "Very well," said the other, and together they started off to have their suit
